Speaking of rest, Maddon will continue his usual rotation, even as the Cubs come home — and with two off days approaching. Temperatures are supposed to be in the high 90s in Chicago, making it an easy sell for him. Josh Jackson Youth Jersey And while the schedule worked against the Cubs over the past eight days, it should turn in their favor. In addition to being home, with the scheduled days off, the Cubs take on two sub-.500 teams from the American League Central in the Twins and Tigers. They play in the worst division in baseball and will be without a designated hitter at Wrigley Field. Advantage, home team.

It’s a nice stretch for us, Rizzo said. This is definitely what we look forward to. This wasn’t the easiest road trip.

Cousins averaged 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.6 blocks last season, perhaps the best of his career. He turns 28 in late August. Had he avoided injury, he would’ve been far too expensive for the Warriors to afford. They’re well over the luxury tax and are limited to exceptions, which allow them to sign players but only on the cheap. A healthy Cousins was destined to command in excess of $20 million a season, more had he stayed with the Pelicans.

Well, when free agency opened, Cousins’ phone didn’t ring, and you probably know the story by now: He personally called the Warriors and signed up on the spot. His reasoning: If my only choice in this league is a short-term deal, might as well be with the team in the midst of a dynasty.